obesity

obesity The state of being well above one’s normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight. Obesity has been more precisely defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above. The cause of obesity is often multifactorial, based on both genetic and behavioral factors. Accordingly, treatment of obesity usually requires more than just dietary changes. Exercise, counseling and support, and sometimes medication can supplement diet to help patients conquer weight problems. Extreme diets, on the other hand, can actually contribute to increased obesity. Obesity is a significant contributor to health problems. See also bariatrics; body mass index; obesity-related disease.